Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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175461-SRG
Motion activation device
Technical Background
Personal belongings are exposed to theft at an increasing rate, while at the
same time mobile telephones have become common property. Therefore alarm
systems
have been commercialized that give alarms for different criteria, amongst
which are:
sound and pressure wave in connection with a burglary, the opening of doors
and
windows, motion outside and inside, and proximity to an object, for example a
car or a
display case. The alarm can be of sound, light or a telephone call to an alarm
central or
personal telephone number. Advanced car alarms are also connected to the
positioning
system GPS (Global Positioning System), so that the police or the car's owner
can
trace a stolen car.
There exist diverse types of sensors and detectors, some of which are for
alarms like the ones described above, namely sensors based on the recording of
sound
or ultrasound, visible light and infrared light (IR and heat radiation),
electrical
capacitance (proximity sensors) and resistance load change or current
interruption
(switches), and movement (piezoelectric elements).
Examples one can point to of this are products provided by the companies
HiViz and Tainlab, and also commercially available satellite tracking systems
for
vehicle and transportation surveillance from, amongst other companies,
GPS4less,
London, Great Britain.
From the patent literature US 2004/0066302A1 is known, it describes
registration of movement with the help of a sensor that may be piezoelectric,
and the
after following signaling with for instance GSM and GPS, but one could say it
lacks a
controlling/holding mechanism that keeps circuits activated even after signals
from the
sensor cease. Such a mechanism is on the other hand described for a motion
sensor in
GB 2129592A, and correspondingly in US 2003/0062999A1, for a sensor apparatus
in
miniature form, for switching the apparatus between a turned off and an armed
position
for starting/stopping the motion detection.
GSM and GPS, General
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) and GPS are well-tried and
standardized radio systems produced by numerous manufacturers. The size of the
circuits that handle and interpret GSM and GPS radio signals are today around
7x7
mm.
GSM
The second generation GSM telephones send and receive radio signals on
frequencies around 900 MHz.
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The components in a standard mobile telephone can be subdivided into five
functions:
= An analog to digital baseband processing subsystem (speech to radio
signals)
= Layer 1, software (physical layer)
= Layer 2 and 3 (Protocol stack)
= Radio subsystem
=
= General user interface, software.
A unit that send messages in SMS (Short Message Service) format according
to the ETSI's (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standard for
Digital
cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2) and by a mobile telephone radio
subsystem and software in Layer 1, 2 and 3 is recognized by a GSM-network by
the
recognition mechanism following the same standard, and the user's SIM
(Subscriber
Identity Module).
GPS
GPS is the most precise navigational system in the world and comprises 24
satellites, and with the help of only four of these, a user's position on the
face of the
earth can be calculated precisely. The satellites emit radio signals on
frequencies
around 1500 MHz. In 2002, Motorola introduced their complete GPS-receiver chip
for
use in noisy environments, for example in a mobile telephone. A number of
other
manufacturers produce this kind of chip today and with dimensions in the range
of 7x7
1111n.
Piezoelectric gyroscope
Piezoelectric materials produce electrical current when they are deformed by
mechanical energy, and vice versa. This trait is used in the construction of a
long line
of measuring instruments and Other products, for example oscillators and
clockwork
that run on quartz crystals, and motion sensors of the type often used in
alarm systems
today. A piezoelectric gyroscope use a pressure sensitive element in such a
way that it
gives off an electrical current when submitted to a physical shock, without
necessarily
the need for a strong deformation, like being set in motion. Such gyroscopes
are mainly
used as shock sensors in Hard Disk Drives and portable CD-players. The
gyroscope
needs no voltage bias to emit its motion generated current and is therefore
well suited
for units in need of no or almost no power consumption until activation takes
place. A
modern piezoelectric gyroscope can have dimensions in the range of 6x2 mm.
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The invention's apparatus in the shape of a tracking unit
By combining the GSM and the GPS technology like the most advanced car
alarms do today one has with the invention reached an apparatus in the shape
of a
motion detection- and tracking unit of so small dimensions that it can be
attached to
most objects, preferentially hidden, at a comfortable price and with certain
features not
earlier suggested. Thus one has effective means to secure mobile objects
against theft
or record and report to where the object is moved. By using a piezoelectric
gyroscope to
generate an electric current due to motion, such a device can lay immobile,
hidden with
next to no power consumption until the property it is attached to is set in
motion, at
which time the GSM and GPS functions are activated and a SMS message with the
current position is sent to the owner's mobile phone.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an
apparatus
for registration of motion, comprising: a sensor for generation of at least
one electrical sensor
signal due to external influences indicative of a movement of the sensor; at
least one first circuit
capable of being activated by the sensor signal and comprising a holding
amplifier connected to
the sensor, the holding amplifier having a repose state and an active state
and being constructed
and arranged to, when in the repose state, wait for an activation by the
sensor signal while
consuming substantially no power beyond what is sufficient for the activation
of the holding
amplifier and an amplification of the sensor signal, and when in the active
state, consume more
power than in the repose state for maintaining the activation for a further
amplification of the
amplified sensor signal to generate an activation signal; at least one second
circuit comprising
an activation circuit connected to the sensor for receiving the activation
signal, a microprocessor
configured to be activated by the activation signal for treatment of the
activation signal and
generating commands that involve a control voltage, and a security circuit for
selectively
blocking an activation of the microprocessor based on at least one of false
alarm and criteria
relating to a recording of movements of the apparatus; means for communication
of signals
relating to at least one of the generated commands and the activation signal;
and means for
remote identification for activation and deactivation of the apparatus from a
distance.
Overview of drawings and descriptions of the invention
The invention here described is built on the well known technology indicated
above and is illustrated by the drawings, where:
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Fig. 1 shows a part of an apparatus following the invention, with a sensor
connected to amplifier and holding circuits for activation, fig. 2 displays
the apparatus'
top view in larger scales with the different circuits and components visible,
fig. 3 and 4
show how the apparatus functions at activation and deactivation, and fig. 5
show an
apparatus, again in larger scale, with the main components and their
interdimensional
relationship.
A tracking unit - hereby called an apparatus - that utilize the three above
mentioned technologies piezoelectricity, GSM, and GPS can today be constructed
with
small dimensions and could be used as placement units for all kinds of
properties over a
certain size. The known mobile messaging service SMS is exploited
advantageously so
that speech conversion is unnecessary, which today constitute the main part of
the GSM
components. In this way, the numbers of components are greatly reduced so the
unit can
be constructed with an area of a matchbox (60x40 mm). By using an all-round
microprocessor with several digital inputs and outputs, all data handling can
be
performed by the same circuit, everything from power control, to GSM and GPS
software protocols.
With the invention one has also arrived at an apparatus with the most
important
features listed amongst the patent claims, a general apparatus for detection
of motion,
comprising:
a sensor for the generation of an electrical sensor signal due to an external
influence, especially a sensor of piezoelectric material where the signal is
generated as a
result of an deformation of the material due to a force being exerted on it,
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first circuits with a relay effect and with close to no power consumption in
the
non-activated state, but with the capacity to activate by a signal from the
sensor, then
drawing power from a voltage source for the apparatus and at the same time
provide
current to the succeeding
second circuits, and where especially these second circuits encompass a
microprocessor for the treatment of the amplified signal and generating
commands that
involve a control voltage,
third circuits for communication of signals based upon the commands and/or
the treated sensor signal, and
fourth circuits for further communications, wherein:
the first circuits comprise a holding amplifier that can be in two states: 1)
a
first state ¨ repose state ¨ where its power drain is sufficient for its
activation due to a
small voltage pulse emitted from the sensor and the amplification of the pulse
to
activate the second circuits, and 2) a second state ¨ active state ¨ where it
consumes
power at a higher rate from a nominal power source and a larger amplification,
where
the transfer from the first to the second state is controlled by the
activation of the
second circuits, and
the second circuits comprise activation circuits which are connected to the
sensor and has a security circuit that can be set to block a first activation
due to a
voltage pulse from the sensor, but thereafter open the blockage and permit a
subsequent
activation as a result from a second pulse, so to prevent the recording of a
movement of
the apparatus if certain criteria are not met, and further,
that the apparatus includes measures for remote identification for
activation/deactivation from a distance.
Fig. 1 shows a part of the electronics inside the tracking unit, the first
circuits
4, 5 and 7 for the activation of it, where the source of activation is the
piezoelectric
sensor 2, especially a piezoelectric gyroscope. The sensor is connected to the
first
circuit's first part in the form of a holding amplifier (MCT or MOSCT) 4,
followed by
a second part, an amplifier 5 with a large amplification, for example a
Darlington gate
as shown in the drawing, and a third part which forms an activation circuit 7
of the type
"watchdog", see below. Figure 1 is a design sketch and does not include the
necessary
connections and components like diode rectifiers of the sensor signal, the
shutting
down of the first circuits after activation of the microprocessor, especially
with a
negative control signal, how the different filter functions are organized,
power control
functions and so on, since these are considered known techniques for
professionals.
Activation of the processor will be explained, but the functions that are
performed after
the activation, are considered to be a known technology.
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It is important to note that in the circuit there is no amplification
surpassing
what is maintained by the direct current source (typically a battery), which
is
impossible. What the circuit accomplishes is to greatly reduce the voltage in
some parts
so that there is only a need for a small voltage in the sensor part to control
a much
larger current in the succeeding circuit, the latter being no larger than the
"original"
current from the direct current source. This mechanism is added because the
external
influences ¨ which will act as a voltage source in the sensor part ¨will
seldom generate
a voltage of any large degree. For example; a small movement of a
piezoelectric
element will not generate a large enough voltage on the input (point A) on the
first
circuit, the holding amplifier.
The sensor is a signal generator that generates an electrical voltage that in
turn
affects the circuit due to external forces, like light, chemical reactions,
temperature,
pressure or motion. A sensor of piezoelectric kind is preferred, especially in
the shape
of a piezoelectric gyroscope.
The shown sensor 2 typically generates a voltage of around 20 micro volts
when it is exposed to an acceleration of 1/1000g (1mm/s2), and this voltage
has to be
amplified up to around 0,5 Volts to be able to activate the unit. As shown in
fig. 1, first
a holding amplifier (MCT) 4 of the type MOS Controlled Thyristor (MOSCT) is
used
(controlled by a field effect transistor part with a metal oxide layer), and
this amplifier
is composed of a set of transistors that in sum constitutes a switch. A small
voltage on
the input (by A) can thereby control a larger current over the output (between
B and C).
The holding amplifier maintains this current even though the externally
imposed
voltage disappears, and it also has high input impedance. The voltage
amplification can
be on the order of for example 50-100 times the original input. The holding
amplifier 4
needs only a small voltage pulse to activate and therefore functions like a
relay (as
indicated in figure 2), and even if no voltage thereafter is generated from
the sensor it
will continue to be active, now relying on the current supply, for example a
battery.
Thereafter follows a two-step transistor amplifier 5 in cascade or Darlington
gate with 1000-10000 times amplification, or in another sense: A small voltage
applied
to the input in B will control a much larger current on the output (between D
and E).
The sensor voltage which after amplification in the amplifier 5 is applied to
the
succeeding activation circuit 7 in the form of a microprocessor (MPU or CPU,
see fig.
2), with the ability to put it self in a power saving mode know as "deep power
down"
where the current consumption is reduced to about 111A, but it still retains
the
possibility to be activated by a control voltage on a watchdog port. In an
active state
the processor-preprogrammed routines run. For instance another port will
activate that
gives power to an inverting switch that cuts the power to the port while the
microprocessor now is powered and active.
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Function Description
With the precondition that the processor MPU has closed the circuit down and
has gone into repose or "deep power down" mode the following will occur when
the
sensor is exposed to an external influence, thereby generating a voltage which
is
amplified in the first circuits 4 (over AB). This voltage closes the circuit's
output 4
(between B and C), which is reduced through the reduction circuits (several
resistances). The voltage in point B on the output of the circuit 4 activates
the amplifier
in point 5 (the Darlington gate) which in turn will lead the voltage over DE,
which is
identical with the input on the processor 7, the watchdog port which is
waiting for a
signal. When the signal arrives the processor activates and starts its
preprogrammed
routines.
Now that the processor is working actively, a person must actively seek to
return the circuit back to the preceding repose mode, this can be done by a
external
transmitter unit and an internal receiver connected to the processor or with
the ability to
transfer the signal to the processor, this can be done with a simple push-
button, a radio
signal, infrared light, sound signals and more. As long as the internal
receiver and
external transmitter correspond, this is a way to "arm the activation
circuits".
Figure 2 shows the inventions apparatus or device in a typical design, with
its
most important components are listed hereunder:
....A GSM signal processor 8 with antenna and necessary microelectronics
= A GPS signal processor 10 with antenna and necessary microelectronics
= A microprocessor 6 with memories of the type ROM and SRAM
= SIM cardholder
= A battery with connector for external power
= A piezoelectric gyroscope 2 with relay and holding amplifiers
= An IR-transmitter/receiver 12 (as a possible alternative)
Figure 3 and 4 shows the unit functionality. All communication with the unit
will be done with SMS messages (or as an alternative with a small remote
control in
addition, to quickly turn it on or off). The unit has two main functions, one
for static
use and one for dynamic use.
The static function is used when the unit is supposed to be attached to an
object
(a piece of property) that is expected to be still for a long period of time,
for example a
painting, a computer and such, but where the unit will react at once a
movement of the
object with the attached unit is perceived. When the unit is placed where it
should be
placed on the object (hidden), the user or installer sends a SMS message with
a
password and activation text. The GPS position is stored and the unit turns
itself
almost off, or to a readiness level. The power drain is practically close to
zero. If the
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gyroscope records a movement, for example as a result of trying to remove the
property from its place, it gives off a piezoelectric voltage, the unit and
its GSM and
GPS systems activate, and it sends SMS messages about the property's recorded
movement. After a user specified time a new check for movement is performed to
exclude any false alarms due to any errors or a random motion detection that
nevertheless should not cause activation and the GPS position is controlled
against the
stored position. If the position is different which indicates that the object
or property
with the attached unit is moved, SMS messages are periodically sent to the
users
mobile phone, for continuous tracking of where the unit (and the property)
possibly is
moved, until it is stationed at a new location which then is located. To save
power
during longer movements the user can send a SMS message with password and a
text
to the unit to change its mode of operation to power save mode, which it
automatically
changes from as soon as is stops moving, then it sends its new position.
The dynamic function is related to use with mobile property, like cars, boats,
bicycles, scooters, briefcases and more. The functionality is the same as for
the static
function as long as the property is standing still, but also the unit has a
standby mode
where it can communicate with the user by SMS and regularly find its position
for
comparison with the positions the user has noted. If the user sends a message
with the
position, it replies, after which time it changes mode to tracking mode. One
example is
when it is installed in a briefcase that is stolen from where one left it, and
one wants to
know where the briefcase is transported. The same tracking mode can also be
used for
all activity where knowing a unit's position is of interest, for example for
taxis, police,
package shipment and so on.
Figure 2 shows how the tracking unit can be designed physically.
Figure 3 displays a block diagram of the apparatus in the form of a tracking
unit in a state of readiness. The microprocessor is in its repose state, and
its watchdog
port is prepared to swiftly activate it, in the case a signal that indicates
movement of
the unit is obtained. In this repose state the processor draws next to no
power (1 A).
The criteria for which movements that are necessary to start an activation of
a
GSM and GPS activation/alarm are determined by the activation routines in the
microprocessor relating to the piezoelectric gyroscope. The activation routine
does not
wake the microprocessor completely unless there is a second signal on the
watchdog
port indicating movement after a preprogrammed time period, to avoid false
alarms.
Figure 4 shows the tracking unit in an active state (GSM and GPS mode).
When the criteria for movement are fulfilled, for example after a second
movement is
recorded, the unit changes to active mode and starts sending SMS-alarms. Then
it
controls the unit's position by GPS signal comparison against the prior saved
position,
and more messages are sent if there are position changes. The gyroscope is
then no
longer in use, since movement registration now is done by GPS. The user can at
any
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time cancel this active mode by sending an SMS to the unit with the right code
and
command. The block GSM Listening mode indicates that the unit is awaiting
further
commands from the user, by checking for GSM, SMS messages at a regular
interval.
Sensor's of piezoelectric material is know from many different contexts and is
also used in the apparatus of the invention. Such sensors have especially
suitable for
relay- or holding effects where just a small voltage pulse is sufficient to
activate other
circuits in the apparatus.
Other advantages would be that the system is practically undetectable, which
is
important in connection with for instance security systems.
The invention is particularly useful for autonomous systems where a chemical
battery can seldom or only with difficulty be recharged due to its location,
size or the
peculiarities of the system involved.
Deactivation of the unit can be reformed by remote control by radio frequency
identification (RFID) or by other means, and the unit can be configured to
send alarms
if it is moved outside the reach of the remote control, particularly with
RFID.
In a way, the device functions like a power switch that can activate a
superior
battery dependent system while at the same time drawing next to no power from
that
systems battery. Thereby one obtains a main system with an especially long
resting or
dormant state that can be classified as dead until a sensor signal is
generated. When the
main system is activated its power is drawn from the battery, the activation
circuit does
therefore not limit it. The type of sensor used however will define the main
system's
capabilities to some extents.
Figure 5 gives an indication of the interrelationships of component sizes in a
typical unit according to the invention. The device may be of a rectangular
size with
the dimension 60x4Omm and lOmm thick. Dimensions so small that that the unit
may
be placed on all types of possessions over a certain size that one would want
to protect
against theft and recover if such a situation should arise. Bicycles,
scooters,
motorcycles, all types of suitcases, handbags, camera bags, wallets and
paintings are
just some examples.
In addition to the main components listed on page 3 the invention's tracking
unit has the benefit of a RFID-module, a communications port and a battery
recharging
port. The advantages that are considered to be unique for the unit are
therefore:
= Activation/deactivation of a tracking unit with RFID-technology.
= Piezoelectric motion detection
= No power consumption while in an active state, before the registration of
a
movement transfers the unit to a state of alert.
= Its physical size.
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This type of device exists, as mentioned earlier, in other forms; for cars and
boats, but there seems that there is no corresponding solution for bicycles,
scooters,
mopeds, motorcycles and the like. The known solutions are also large and
massive and
are not suited for use with personal property like bags, suitcases, laptops
and so on. No
power consumption before a movement sets off the alarm mode makes the tracking
unit also suitable for attaching to possessions that are supposed to be
motionless for
longer periods of time, as in the case of gallery or museum paintings,
warehouse goods,
stationary computers etc, without needing to change or recharge the power
supply,
primarily a battery. The tracking unit can be produced at very low costs.
The number of reported thefts in Norway is around 80000 a year, and there is
reason to believe that with the invention's tracking unit this amount can be
reduced,
both by discovering theft at an earlier time and also by being able to trace
the stolen
goods early, even at a time where the perpetrator is still moving the stolen
possession.
This can swiftly conclude an investigation of the theft and the thief can be
arrested, and
he is thereby hindered from repeating the offense for some time. Insurance
companies
are bound to profit when possessions are recovered not replaced.
The invention's tracking unit is considered to have a great potential market
in
Norway and worldwide.
The use of the invention's apparatus or tracking unit can be in anything from
children's toys to war-material, for instance baby-rattles with light-emitting
diodes that
blink when the rattle is in use, but where the power almost is turned off
until a new
movement activates it.
Movement activated landmines is another use where activation is performed
with an advanced unit with several sensors and communication-modules so that
it can
verify that a movement is provoked by an authorized vehicle or not. Movement
then
does activation and, authorization communication is performed by radio. The
communication is predominantly one-way, from the vehicle to the landmine, but
a two-
way system is preferable with thought to future landmine recovery.
Finally a sensor can be mounted low on a wall in a basement for instance and
react to flooding. Such a sensor can be in a repose mode for years and
practically use
no battery capacity until it is needed.
